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Wooden Spoon Event: Isle of Man Wasps Legends Tour 2012 -- John Bateson reports

Wooden Spoon Event: Isle of Man Wasps Legends Tour 2012 -- John Bateson reports

Dom Benson20 Sep 2012 - 10:03

On 7th and 8th September 2012 the Isle of Man rugby community welcomed the Wasps Legends Rugby Teams of men and women.

The weekend started with a black tie dinner for 250 people, which went down a real treat with all the guests. A fantastic evening was had by everyone, with guest speakers Serge Betsen, Andrew Gomarsall MBE and Roger Uttley OBE with Peter Scrivener hosting the evening - and what an evening it was.

All the players integrated fantastically well with the Isle of Man players and corporate guests and created a really relaxed and very enjoyable atmosphere that went on to the early hours of Saturday morning.

On the Saturday morning all the Legends took part in a training session for 200 minis and juniors from various schools and rugby clubs from the Island. The children had a great time mingling and playing with some of the famous names in world rugby.

This was followed by the Wasps ladies playing an Isle of Man ladies side. The game was a real success and has breathed life into women's rugby on the Island. The Isle of Man lost 54-0, but a great run out was had by all.

Then the men's game followed, with an Isle of Man Select XV against the Wasps Legends. This was a great opportunity for many of the older players to rub shoulders with some of their heroes. The game was competitive and played in the highest of spirits and produced a very free flowing game of rugby, which the Legends won 59-29. The Isle of Man put up a valiant effort, but were undone by the skills shown by the Legends.

The Saturday evening events then took over and everyone had a great time sharing stories over a beer or two!!

The weekend raised just shy of £40,000 for the Wooden Spoon (the RFU's chosen charity). The funds raised were used to fund a project of providing PlayBins for the primary schools of the Island. The first of which was opened officially by Roger Uttley OBE on the Saturday morning. Whilst on their visit Serge Betsen, Andrew Gomarsall MBE, Sue Day and Fiona Stockley had a look round the Isle of Man's Wheelchair Sports Club, the funds for which were provided by the Isle of Man Branch of the Wooden Spoon the previous year.

The whole of the Wasps legends squad epitomised everything rugby stands for - community spirit, great banter, competition on the pitch and the making of some lasting friendships. A lot of business cards and contacts were made and there will undoubtedly be some great business opportunities for many.

The weekend was undoubtedly a great success and the rugby community of the Isle of Man will be forever grateful for their visit. The conduct of the Legends could not have been greater in showing why the game is so highly respected the world over. They are all superb ambassadors for the game and Wasps. Thanks again to all the Legends and we look forward to welcoming them all back for a rematch in the not too distant future. A really fantastic weekend - and one which will not be forgotten!!

John Bateson
On behalf of the Wooden Spoon Isle of Man Branch

--ooOoo--

Message from Peter Scrivener to Wasps Legends players and potential players:

Chaps and Ladies

Please take a look at the Testimonial from John Bateson of the Isle of Man Wood Spoon. Well done to all involved and if you have not played for the legends yet keep an eye out for the selection emails.

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